Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Having entered a golden age of tactical precision, their last two auction cycles have been hailed as masterclasses in squad building. After finally breaking their title drought and entering the 2026 season as defending champions, the franchise continued its momentum with a highly successful mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.
By maintaining a powerhouse core and making surgical additions, the management has silenced critics who once questioned their auction strategy. This year’s proceedings were no different, as they used a limited purse to secure high-value targets that complemented their existing championship structure. Now, after this incident, the experienced Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Reflecting on the results, has identified one specific RCB signing that he considers to be the absolute steal of the tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin calls RCB’s purchase in IPL 2026 auction a ‘complete steal’
According to Ashwin, the acquisition of new zealand speedster jacob duffy For a base price of ₹2 crore, this is second to none “Absolute theft.” Ashwin pointed out that 2025 has been a transformative year for the 31-year-old fast bowler, who recently reached the top of the global rankings.
Duffy’s form reached its peak during the recent Test series against the West Indies, where he won the Player of the Series award by taking nine wickets in the final match at Mount Maunganui. His performances have been so impressive that he recently broke Sir Richard Hadlee’s 40-year-old record for the most international wickets taken by a New Zealand player in a calendar year, finishing 2025 with 81 wickets. Ashwin said that Duffy is currently ‘Operating at peak efficiency’ This makes him a dangerous addition to the already strong RCB bowling attack.
“What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is shaping up to be. 2025 has been his coming year. 23 wickets at an average of 15.43, a strike rate of 40.3 and MOS in the Test against the Windies. He is also the current #2-ranked T20I bowler, having had a sensational 2025 in T20Is with 57 wickets at an average of 18.9, an economy of 7.89 and a stellar Has a dot ball rate of 53.1%. At the age of 31, he is working at peak efficiency to pull off a sensational coup. Ashwin wrote on X.
What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning into. 2025 has been his coming of age year.
23 wickets at an average of 15.43, strike rate and MOS of 40.3 in the Test against West Indies.
He is also the current #2 ranked T20I bowler, having scored a sensational 2025 runs with 57 wickets at an average of 18.9, 7.89 in T20… pic.twitter.com/Oda9LxdqxX
– Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) 22 December 2025
RCB boosts tactical versatility by strengthening Championship defense ahead of IPL 2026 edition
Beyond statistical brilliance, the signing of Duffy gives RCB immense tactical flexibility as they attempt to defend their IPL crown. Ashwin highlighted that Duffy is not just a backup option, but a legitimate frontline starter who can challenge for a spot in the playing eleven along with his compatriot Josh Hazlewood. In 2025 alone, Duffy took 35 wickets in 21 T20Is at a remarkable average of 15.08, proving his ability in the shortest format on the international stage.
Duffy’s ability to maintain an elite dot-ball rate while taking wickets makes him a perfect fit for the high-scoring environment of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB management, led by mo bobat And andy flowersInjury cover and squad depth appear to have been prioritized, ensuring the team remains competitive, even if key foreign players are preferred. Josh Hazlewood Or Nuwan Thushara Have to face availability related problems.
Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin accused of revealing CSK’s IPL 2026 auction plans; breaks his silence
